Fleming Votes Against USA Freedom Act

Meaningful reform of NSA data collection was not accomplished today.

Congressman John Fleming, M.D., released the following statement after voting against the USA Freedom bill:

“Good intentions are not enough when it comes to protecting the American people from unconstitutional surveillance by their own government. The original version of this legislation, which I cosponsored, contained strong reforms to end the NSA’s indiscriminate collection of Americans’ calling records and internet transactions. But some of those provisions in the initial bill were eliminated at the last minute and new loopholes were created in back-room deals with the White House, and it no longer does enough to stop the large-scale and arbitrary collection of Americans’ records. Under the bill I voted against today, the NSA retains broad latitude to continue domestic spying, without probable cause.

“Meaningful reform of NSA data collection was not accomplished today. The federal government is charged with protecting the American people, and it must do so without yielding such broad authority to the NSA that our constitutional protections are placed in jeopardy.”

Dr. John Fleming is Chairman of the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs and is a member of the House Armed Services Committee. He is a physician and small business owner and represents the 4th Congressional District of Louisiana.